Types and Features of Excellent SMT Machines

A Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machine is a high-tech generation of equipment that aids PCB makers in solving SMT assembly issues. SMT machines simplify SMT assembly by utilizing fewer components, enhancing performance, and decreasing lead resistance and inductance issues.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Smt Technologies. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

This article will discuss the different types and attributes of a good SMT machine.

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What do SMT machines do?

SMT machines are for manufacturing surface mount printed circuit boards (SMT PCBs). Examples are soldering equipment, component positioning, and ovens.

SMT machines allow PCB companies to easily fit additional features onto smaller boards instead of using through-hole wire leads to connect components. In addition, SMT equipment can print and fit elements on both sides of a PCB.

For SMT production;

First, an SMT machine applies solder paste to a PCB using a stencil. Then, it places the SMT component on flux-solder paste. Next, the machine runs PCBs through reflow ovens that melt the solder paste and burn-off pieces. Finally, surface tension keeps components intact on PCB solder pads.

 (an unpopulated board ready for assembly)

Types of SMT machines

There are up to 6 machines involved in placing electrical components in a PCB. As a result, the input of all these six machines determines the output of an SMT machine.

Below is a list of the various types of SMT machines.

• Pick-and-place machines

These types of machines come in a variety, which includes;

• Manual pick-and-place machines

It is the most widely used and least expensive SMT machine for modular PCB assembly. An SMT operator executes the picking and placement procedure on this machine.

In general, it's an excellent machine for unsupervised high-speed machines.

• Semi-automatic pick-and-place machines.

Unlike its manual version, this type has superior computer interface technology and a vision assist. As a result, an SMT operator's job gets easier.

• Automated picking and placement.

Pick-and-place machines that are entirely automated are known as automated pick-and-place machines. As a result, the machine includes picking and placement centering methods to boost SMT productivity.

(an automated pick and place machine.)

•  SMT curing oven

The curing oven is in charge of adhesive curing and solder paste baking. Also, how the process of baking occurs depends on the machines&#; volume of production.

•  Screen printer for solder paste

The screen printing machine works by screen printing solder paste on the PCB. Usually, the screening happens before an SMT Machine Operator begins the assembly process.

• Machine for reflow soldering.

The machine operates by allowing the flow of solder from the SMD directly to the Printed Circuit Board.

• Solvent cleaning equipment

Normally, after soldering, you'll find a mess of either excess solder or chances of flux. Therefore, this equipment helps to clean up this mess.

• Inspection equipment

This machine operates by detecting and fixing all the detected PCB flaws.

(PCB ready for the assembly process.)

• SMT feeder

Generally, improvements in feeder technology affect PCB assembly capabilities and production volume. Also, SMT feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

However, this depends on the packaging that various mount components use. For example;

• Tape feeder

A tape feeder has advanced features, thus a high-precision placement machine.

• Tray feeder

A single-layer structure and a multi-layer structure are the two types of tray feeders.

• Stick feeder

A stick feeder and a vibration feeder help to load components into the mounter.

• Tube feeder

The tube feeder ensures that all the components accurately enter the placement head.

 (a PCB seen under a Surface mount technology machine.)

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How to choose the best SMT machine?

Before choosing an SMT machine, there are a few things to consider.

• Part size

A lot depends on the size of the parts you want a pick-and-place machine to carry. Hence, the size of the machine should match the size of the electronic components.

• Machine accuracy

An SMT machine's accuracy is a vital property when selecting a machine. Besides, 0." is the standard best accuracy of a Surface Mount Technology machine.

• Machine repeatability

Although the SMT machine you choose might be accurate, its repeatability is a critical feature to consider. Importantly, repeatability in a machine helps to generate maximum outputs, especially in a machine that has a computer with programmed software solutions.

• Placement speed

The speed at which an SMT machine picks up, checks, and installs electronic components is an important feature. However, it is important to know that IPC is the standard speed a rapid placement machine should have.

• Prices and cost

Choose a high-speed P&P machine that has features that correspond to the price it holds.

(close up of an SMT machine.)

How to program an SMT machine

There are two steps to follow when programming an SMT machine. The basic procedures involved are offline setup and online debugging.

But before you follow these steps, make sure:

• First, measure the PCB's length, width, and height.
• Have the right mounting information, such as angles, locations, and a tag code.
• Last, the correct details on mark points, the material, and the PCB board assembly.

Offline preparations include:

• First, obtain a BOM list from the customer.
• To retrieve coordinates from an excel or PCB file provided by the customer, you can scan the PCB to get the previously marked locations. Contact your customer for confirmation if the coordinates file is still wrong. Lastly, save it in the format that the pick-and-place machine needs.

After the offline preparation is complete, the online debugging process begins.

• First, load the program into your pick-and-place machine.
• Second, identify the starting point and place a MARK.
• Next, make the necessary adjustments to the reference position number.
• Then, streamline the saving procedure. Also, ensure you double-check the component orientation and data at this stage.
• Finally, run the outcome through FAI for confirmation.

 (An SMT operator programming the machine using a computer.)

High-quality SMT machine manufacturers.

Various smart manufacturing companies make SMT machines. But only a few companies make quality machines. For example;

• Mycronic

Mycronic is one of the best companies that make SMT assemblies. For instance, the MY300 machine is an interesting SMT that the Mycronic company makes. With the MY300, the operator can fill more boards while using less space on the floor.

• Juki Automation Systems.

Juki Automation Systems is a long-time manufacturer and makes quality SMT machines. Normally, Juki focuses on being inclusive. Hence, they make a wide range of SMT machines for companies of all sizes.

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• DDM Novastar

Usually, DDM Novastar makes SMT machines used in both automatic and manual SMT systems. Even for low-to-medium SMT applications, their equipment is fairly cheap, easy to use, and reliable.

Undoubtedly, the best companies in SMT manufacturing stand out because of their placement capabilities, superior software, and overall machine effectiveness.

(a PCB board with SMD components.)

Summary

SMT machines make work easier, cut costs, and increase production capacity. Before buying an SMT machine, you should know how it works, the different kinds, how to program it, and its qualities.

We hope that our article helped.  However, kindly contact us if you're interested in learning more about the SMT machine! Our team is always happy to answer any questions from you.

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With the leaps and bounds experienced in this industry, various technologies come in place to manufacture these devices, and Surface Mount Technology is one of them.  As time goes by, electronics components size and designs aim for smaller sized devices and boards. These reduced-size components are not only low in structure but also cheap and fast. This convenience explains the major boom of the SMD.

1. What are SMDs?

As we have stated above, Surface Mount devices are devices that are manufactured through the Surface Mount Technology. Widely known as the SMT, the surface mount technology is used to mount electronic components on the SMD&#;s PCB&#;s surface. With this technology, the leads and axils lay on the PCB&#;s conductive tracks, wherewith the use of soldering iron, they are mounted on the board, and no form of drilling is done to reinforce the components.

Once employed, the SMT speeds up the production process. An SMT component is mostly smaller than its through-hole counterpart because usually, it has shorter leads or no leads whatsoever. The existence of the elements is so tiny in size. Hence, they give space as holes are not bored, and both sides are available for use.

2. Repair and Maintenance of SMD Components

To grow and stay put, we all have to maintain our bodies, and so does the SMDs. The surface-mount devices use conductive tips or hot air blowers for removal and replacements of electronics components.

Soldering iron tip attachment is a conductive tool that comes at a pocket-friendly price. The tips are in different shapes, sizes, and configurations for various SMT components and through-hole components. Composite tips are slightly at a higher cost than the soldering iron tips attachments that have heating elements.

The Hot Air SMD rework stations are more expensive than the latter two. They use nozzles of different types and sizes. The hot air repair tooling is a standard tool mainly because it is ideal for damage-free repair. An example of a perfect solution for surface mount technology components is the GOOT GSR-302.

3. Choosing Repair Equipment for SMDs

Repair systems are readily available in the market, but electronic companies need to keep in mind that repair tools don&#;t need to be expensive when choosing the right repair equipment.

If you need to repair many boards, you should avoid the automated repair equipment and opt for the SMT inspection equipment. Though while the inspection tools are still in the developing stages, x-ray and laser inspection are the only available automated inspection equipment in the market.

Most electronic companies worldwide depend on visual inspection at 2 to 10X using a microscope or magnifying lamp.

4. Identification of SMDs

4.1.INDUCTORS

These are simply metal conductors looped through a ferrite bead and just as similar to the through-hole designs, but instead, they have axials and caps instead of leads. They have a dark grey color and also have magnetic features.

4.2.DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTORS

They often have two or three symbol codes such as diodes and transistors because their size does not facilitate them to be marked by average numbers as other more prominent components.

4.3.INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

They are generally large enough to be imprinted with the complete part number, including the manufacturers&#; specific prefix.

5. Advantages of Surface Mount Technology

Surface Mount Technology allows smaller SMD PCB designs by enabling components to be placed together on the board leading to more lightweight device designation.

1.The SMT parts are often less costly than the comparable through-hole parts. The components are replaceable on both sides of the circuit board in higher density.

2.The SMT process is faster than through-hole technology because it does not necessarily require the circuit board for assembly, making its initial costs cheaper.

3.It reduces the unwanted effects of RF, which is the Radio Frequency, by lowering resistance and induction at the connection.

4.It has a smaller radiation loop area due to its compact package, and lower lead induction has better Electromagnetic Compatibility.

5.Allows multitasking by combining high-end components.

6.PCBs created with the SMT process provide higher circuit speeds because they are more compact, leading to many manufacturers opting for this method.

7.Surface Mount Technology provides stability and better mechanical performance under conditions like shaking and vibration.

5.1.Limitations to Surface Mount Technology

As much as the Surface Mount technology is excellent for SMD devices, we can clearly tell that it has its drawbacks. To get a clear glimpse of what we are talking about, let&#;s explore some of the demerits.

1.The surface mount technology components are quite small in size, making it challenging to repair them once any damage occurs.

2.There is no assurance that the solder connections can withstand the compounds used during potting application. The links may undergo damage when going through thermal cycling.

3.The solders can also be destroyed and weakened by mechanical stress.

4.With components that generate too much heat on their PCBs, the mounting soldering iron can melt off, rendering the whole device faulty.

6. Alternatives to SMD Technology

Although Surface mount technology is widely used and highly preferred, there are other alternatives such as the through-hole printed circuit board and the solderless breadboard technology that has been used for a variety of electronic devices.

6.1.Through-Hole PCB Design

Through-hole technology is a technique that uses the ideology of mounting the leads of electronic components onto the PCB by drilling through the circuit board.  These components are inserted into holes drilled on the printed circuit boards and soldered to pads on opposite sides. They provide a stronger mechanical bond and are suitable for test and prototyping.

6.2.Pin Grid Array

Often abbreviated as PGA, the pin grid technology works the same as through-hole technology. Pins form a rectangular or square array then mounted to the PCB via the surface mount technology.  These pins are later inserted into a socket and do not need to be soldered on to.

6.3.Solderless Breadboard

A Breadboard facilitates the building and testing of circuits before finalizing any circuit design. They are easy to change, as they are easily removable and adjustable. Most electronic manufacturers do not prefer this method because they do not have enough proper tools to design circuits with high voltage. It also jeopardizes your signal integrity when dealing with frequencies in the higher.

7. SMD Soldering

SMD soldering process

Historically speaking, we soldered SMDs by hand until the advent of pick and place machines. Because of their nature, SMD components are conducive to soldering.

They are perfect for first-time hobbyists who want to learn how to solder components to their PCBs. You can solder them traditionally, use solder paste, or flood with solder.

If machines do the soldering, the first machine in the process will be the solder paste printer. It applies the solder to the pad. After solder is applied,we perform an inspection.  

Next, we surface mount the components into the PCB pads. The PCB then goes through pre-reflow automated optical inspection where we ensure the integrity of the component placement process.

Next, the PCB will go through the reflow soldering machine where we form the connections between the components and PCB. Finally, the PCB will go through post-reflow automated optical inspection.

8. SMD vs. SMT

SMD and SMT are two terms that people sometimes erroneously use interchangeably. While the two terms are related, they are not really the same thing. Once again, SMD stands for Surface Mount Device, and SMT stands for Surface Mount Technology. SMD describes the type of component, while SMT describes how we place it on the PCB. SMT decreases manufacturing costs. It also saves space and time.

9. SMD LED

High power SMD white lighting LED assembly

SMD are distinct because of their lack of wires. As with other SMD components, they have solder-able metallic contacts. SMD technology makes multi-color encapsulation possible. These types of LEDs will usually feature three colors (red, green, and blue).

You can also find SMD LEDs as top-emitting chips, right angle chips, sub-miniature chips, and reverse mount chips.   

10. SMD PCB

 smd component chip for pcb

A common feature of surface mount technology includes an absence of leads on components. However, sometimes these leads may be short. The main body of SMD components meets the PCB and solder joint on the same side. This makes for a seamless and easy connection.

Conclusion

Surface Mount Technology is instrumental and useful in the fabrication of electronic circuits on the Printed Circuit Board [PCB]. This design facilitates the production of better and easy to manufacture devices. SMDs are among the world&#;s most commonly used devices ranging from new generations of computers to phones and air conditioning devices, to name a few.

So whenever you need one SMD PCB for your electronic devices, reach out to our sales team and be assured of world-class services from us!

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